Budget 2013: SMEs must take advantage of technology, innovation and skills initiatives to succeed

16 May 2013

This year’s budget tax increases and spending cuts are the talk of
the town in the lead up to the election. To help Australia’s small and
medium business operators (SMEs) get the most out of the budget
changes, we strongly encourage them to take advantage of technology,
innovation and skills initiatives. These will help boost productivity,
business performance and confidence in the domestic economy.

MYOB CEO Tim Reed says, “Following the handing down of the budget,
it can be tempting for business owners to postpone their growth plans
until the election. Jobs and growth are key themes in this budget, and
there were some positive announcements and opportunities for SMEs.

“Investing $24 billion in roads, including highways and rail in our
cities and regions, will help ease the pressure of rising fuel prices.
This has been a top pressure point of SMEs since 2011. Our latest
research found 61% of SMEs would welcome investment in transport
infrastructure in our major states and cities. Adopting teleworking
technologies can also help ease the pressure by enabling business
operators to operate from home or any location outside of the office.

“From a job’s perspective, it’s a pity the increase in the tax-free
threshold to $19,400 was deferred, but given the government had
already lifted the threshold from $6,000 to $18,200; this should still
encourage more part time workers to return to the workforce as it
becomes more financially viable. This could result in a larger group
of skilled candidates for businesses to draw from when they are
employing new staff. A fresh perspective and new skills in a team can
work wonders for innovation.

“I’m pleased with the government’s pledge for new funding to help
small businesses take advantage of the National Broadband Network. I
hope some of this can be directed towards training on leveraging the
internet for business. Our research found more than half of SMEs were
in favour of free government-funded training on how to use the
internet to help them enhance and grow their business. In addition,
SMEs with a business website were 60% more likely to experience a
revenue rise in the past year.

“The benefits of online technologies include the ability to compete
on a more level playing field with local and global rivals, increased
productivity and less time spent on business administration. This
means more time for growing the business, which has the potential to
make a difference to our economy.”

Key 2013 Budget measures announced that may impact SMEs include:

$24 billion investment for road and rail upgrades, including
money for the M4 extension in Sydney, Brisbane’s Cross River Rail
project and Melbourne’s Metro train system.

$500 million
investment in Industry Innovation Precincts and the government's $1
billion "Plan for Australian Jobs".

$378.6
million for the Innovation Investment Fund to pump venture capital
cash into high-growth businesses.

$29.4 million in
assistance for small and medium businesses vying for government
services and tenders. Government grants of up to $1 million will be
made available for SMEs.

$12.9 million in new funding to
help small businesses take advantage of the National Broadband
Network.

$3.2 million over 15 years for the “promotion and
marketing” of Australian start-up success stories, with the aim to
stimulate innovation within existing Australian businesses.

Top initiatives that would turn SME election votes:*

Making business life easier by reducing paperwork burden,
abolishing the carbon tax and investing further in infrastructure
were among the top 10 initiatives that would turn SME election votes
towards the proposing party.

Increased Government funding for innovation,
research and development by Australian businesses – 53%

Waiving any penalty interest charges on late tax payments for
start-up businesses in their first two years of operation – 53%

Providing free Government-funded training to all small
businesses on how to use the internet to enhance and grow their
business – 51%

The creation of a single flat tax for
personal tax and company tax – 49%

Further cutting
Government expenditure to return to surplus faster – 42%

Visit http://myob.com.au/EOFY for a summary of major tax changes,
helpful tips and resources, and download a Federal Budget 2013 white paper.

Note to media: If you'd like further statistics or commentary from
MYOB, please contact

Angely Grecia

MYOB Public Relations Consultant

P: 02 9089 9071

M: 0449 169 997

E: angely.grecia@myob.com

Symon Madry

Haystac Public Affairs

P: 02 8094 7779

M: 0409 919 508

E: myob@haystac.com.au

*About the MYOB Business Monitor

Established in 2004, the MYOB Business Monitor is a national survey
of small and medium business owners and managers, commissioned to
independent market research firm Colmar Brunton. The most recent study
ran in January and February 2013, surveying 1,005 operators from sole
traders to mid-sized companies, representing the major industry
sectors. The Monitor researches business performance and attitudes
regarding areas such as profitability, cash flow, pipeline work,
technology usage and the government. Note: the weighting of MYOB
client and non-client respondents is reflective of overall market proportions.

About MYOB

Established in 1991, MYOB is now Australia’s largest business
management solutions provider. It simplifies accounting, payroll, tax,
CRM, websites, job costing, inventory management and much more for
businesses of all ages, types and sizes. Over one million businesses
in Australia and New Zealand have used one or more of MYOB’s 50+
products and services. Today, its solutions extend online, delivering
innovation through cloud computing. This enables its clients to be
more productive and make smarter connections with their staff,
business partners, business advisors and customers. With a network of
20,000+ accountants, book keepers, certified consultants and other
professional partners, MYOB provides support and tools that help make
business life easier. Visit: http://myob.com.au/smarterconnections.